Tag Archives: Writer’s Block

Writer’s block, we’ve all suffered its limitations. Any number of things can cause it. Often, it’s caused by anxiety: feelings of not knowing where to begin, not having a clear scope of the project, or other unknowns that create anxiety. You can develop strategies or techniques to get started on your writing.

Here is a standard formula:
1. State your thesis.
2. Write an outline.
3. Write the first draft.
4. Revise the draft.

A second strategy is to answer several questions about your chosen topic. Let’s say that your topic is study abroad:
1. Why should you write about this topic, and why should anyone read it?
2. Do you want the reader to consider study abroad or do you want to discourage it?
3. Do you want to compare study abroad programs based on quality or cost?
4. Do you want to analyze study abroad programs based on the selected destination and in-country opportunities to learn and experience the culture?

A third strategy is brainstorming:
1. Write down every idea related to your topic that comes to mind, no matter how bad or good it is.
2. Consider the questions that your readers might ask. What would they want to know?
3. Talk to friends and family about your topic. What questions do they raise?

If you find yourself jumping back and forth between these strategies, you are on the right track. Some strategies will work better at different stages of your writing process. Take a break and let your ideas percolate. Summarize what you’ve come up with and then tell it to someone in three to four sentences (this could be your thesis).

Write your first draft knowing that it will need serious revision later, not now. Just write. If you can, put it away for a day or two. Then read it aloud. Figure out what needs to be changed, added, deleted, or expanded.